Religion in Movies

Religion in Movies

Since the early days of cinema, Biblical events and religious overtones have been a mainstay in a number of movies that have come out of Hollywood. With the Easter holiday approaching, we take a look at some of the films, past and current, where religion has played a dramatic, comedic and/or controversial role.

The pages of Genesis came to the silver screen in the form of “The Bible” (1966). The movie told the stories of several key figures including Adam (Michael Parks) and Eve (Ulla Bergryd), Noah (John Huston who also directed) and the flood, and Abraham (George C. Scott) and his son, Isaac (Alberto Luccantoni).

Although an updated made for TV movie is set to appear this year, the story of Moses, Israel’s departure from Egypt and the receipt of the stone tablets inscribed with the ten commandments has been told in several feature films. Cecil B. DeMille directed the 1923 silent film “Ten Commandments” starring Theodore Roberts and would return to the helm for the more popular 1956 version with Charlton Heston as Moses and Yul Brynner as Egyptian pharaoh Rameses.

Charlton Heston would later star as the title character in another famous remake, “Ben Hur” (1959), which told the story of a Jewish prince who loses everything when he is betrayed and enslaved by his Roman friend. The original was considered groundbreaking when it was made in 1925 and starred Ramon Navarro.

From his birth in a stable and his teachings to his crucifixion and resurrection, the life of Christ has been the centerpiece of many films. Some films, such as “King of Kings” (1961) with Jeffrey Hunter and “Jesus of Nazareth” (1977) with Robert Powell, Anne Bancroft, James Earl Jones and Ernest Borgnine focus on the entire life of Christ. Other films pinpoint certain times in Christ’s life. 1988’s controversial “The Last Temptation of Christ” was based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis and tells the story of Christ (played by Willem Dafoe) who is tempted by a serene life if he foregoes crucifixion. One of the top movies in recent years was Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ” (2004). The story, spoken in Aramaic, Hebrew and Latin, tells of Christ’s (played by James Caviezel) final twelve hours in which he’s betrayed and eventually crucified.

Religious aspects have also been showcased in other, less dramatic fashion. “Godspell” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” were both musicals released in 1973. “Godspell” starring Victor Garber (recently of TV’s “Alias”) told the story of Jesus with a twist. It was set in modern times. “Jesus Christ Superstar”, on the other hand, told the more traditional story of the last few days of Christ (played by Ted Neeley). The long time stage production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was filmed in 1999. In the film, Joseph (Donny Osmond) is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery because of jealousy and his multi-colored coat.

A satirical take on religious events occurred in “Life of Brian” (1979), “History of the World – Part 1” (1981) and “Dogma” (1999). The legendary Monty Python comedy troupe was behind “Life of Brian” which told the story of Brian (Graham Chapman) who was born in Bethlehem the same night as Jesus and is often mistaken for him. Civilization from the dawn of time was shown in Mel Brooks’ “History of the World – Part 1”. The film included scenes regarding Moses (played by Brooks) with the Ten Commandments as well as Jesus and the last supper. In Kevin Smith’s “Dogma”, it’s up to Bethany (Linda Florentino), the last known descendant of Christ, to stop two rogue angels (played by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) from destroying humanity.

There have even been popular animated tales in recent years. The story of Moses returned in 1998’s “The Prince of Egypt”. While Val Kilmer voiced the character of Moses, Ralph Fiennes supplied the words for Rameses. Fiennes would go on to voice the Jesus Christ character in the made for TV, “Miracle Maker” (2000). The animated feature told about the story and works of Christ.

Religious events have long been a part of film. With the popularity of recent features, it’s sure to be a staple in cinema for years to come.

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